Package for a fragile product



Nov. 25, 1969 w. J. WALLACE 3,480,137

PACKAGE FOR A FRAGILE PRODUCT Filed Aug. 2, 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I NVENTOR. Wendell J. (Hal/ace Nov. 25, 1969 w. J. WALLACE PACKAGE FOR A FRAGILE PRODUCT.

4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 2, 1968 INVENTOR. (Vandal/J. (Va/lace BY Pena leafs, (lea/nan,

o I u W. J. WALLACE PACKAGE FOR A FRAGILE PRODUCT .v Nov. 25, 1969 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 2, 1968 ((lcnael/ J. wall e aibolafldilliams ##amrys BY r ena lelan, .Ueaman,

United States Patent US. Cl. 206-65 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A package for a fragile product, such as a cathode ray tube, is provided which includes an outer container and an inner packing disposed within the interior of the outer container. The inner packing substantially encompasses the product and retains same in a substantially fixed position within the outer container.

Background of the invention The packaging of articles, such as cathode ray tubes, for shipment or storage has always been an awkward, time consuming and expensive operation due primarily to the unique configuration of the article itself. Furthermore, the article configuration does not lend itself to efficient utilization of conventionally shaped shipping containers and the like. Because of the cost and weight, size and delicate character of the article involved, an inordinate amount of care is normally exercised in the handling of such an article during packaging thereof.

Various packages for articles of this type have heretofore been proposed; however, by reasons of design, such packages were beset with numerous shortcomings. Examples of such shortcomings are (a) the package was of complex and costly design and oftentimes required special handling equipment; (b) substantial manual labor was required to set up and assemble the package because numerous components comprised the same; -(c) the package was incapable of accommodating more than one article; and -(d) the package failed to provide the necessary protection for the accommodated article when the package was subjected to normal handling operations.

Summary of the invention Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a package for a fragile article of the type described which avoids the shortcomings besetting prior packaging designs.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a component of the improved package which is readily capable of accommodating articles varying over a wide range of size and shape.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a package, the components of which may be readily collapsed when desired, so that said components, when not in use, may be readily and conveniently stored in a compact location.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a package for a fragile article of the type described which utilizes an outer container of conventional design.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a package which is readily capable of reuse.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an outer container and a removable inner packing therefor are provided. The inner packing in said embodiment includes a major section and a minor section which cooperate with one another to substantially encompass the fragile article such as a cathode ray tube when the latter is disposed within the outer container. The major section ice is formed from a blank of foldable sheet material and includes a first panel which engages the front face of the article and is disposed between said front face and one wall of the outer container. The major section includes second panels disposed in spaced relation and on opposite sides of the first panel, and yieldable third panels, each of which foldably interconnects one side of the first panel with one of the second panels. The second panels are arranged in spaced substantially parallel relation and engage opposite sides of the elongated narrow neck portion of the accommodated tube. The third panels partially conform to tapered portions of the tube joining the front face thereof to the neck portion. The minor section includes a panel provided with supporting means for accommodating the tube neck portion whereby the longitudinal axis of the neck portion is disposed substantially normal to a wall of the container.

Description For a more complete understanding of the invention reference should be made to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one form of blank for the major section forming a component of the improved package inner packing;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but showing one form of blank for the inner packing minor section;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the blanks of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, in set-up condition but in exploded relation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the major and minor sections of the inner packing in assembled relation;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a modified form of the improved package with the top side of the outer container open whereby the inner packings and accommodated articles are exposed;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of modified forms of minor sections shown in set-up condition;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along lines 99 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank comprising a modified form of inner packing; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the blank of FIG. 10 in various stages of set-up with respect to an accommodated tube.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 5, one form of an inner packing 10 is shown which is adapted to be used in combination with an outer container 11 to form the improved package 12, see FIG. 6. The dimensions of container 11 and the exterior dimensions of the package itself will be determinted by the number, size and shape of tubes 13 which are to be accommodated therein. In most instances the container 11 is of corrugated fibreboard contruction and is either a conventional half slotted style with a separate cover, not shown, or a regular slotted style which includes top closing flaps, also not shown. In either instance the outer container 11, when not in use, may be readily collapsed for compact storage.

The inner packing 10 as illustrated comprises a major section 14 and a minor section 15, both of which are formed from blanks 16 and 17 respectively, see FIGS. 1 and 2. Both blanks are substantially rectangular in outline and are formed of foldable sheet material such as double-faced corrugated fibre-board.

The major and minor sections, when in assembled relations as seen in FIG. 5, interlock with one another and are adapted to substantially encompass a tube 13. Each major section 14, as seen in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, includes a first or front panel 18 which is adapted to engage the exposed front face 13a of the tube. Panel 18 is di- 1301. A pair of second or end panels 20 are also provided which are arranged in spaced substantially parallel relation so as to conform substantially to opposite peripheral segments of the elongated, narrow, rearwardly extending neck portion 13b of the accommodated tube 13. Panels 20 extend a substantial distance beyond the rear end 130 of the tube 13 so as to protect any protuberances extending longitudinally therefrom from contacting a wall of the container 11 when the package 12 is assembled.

The second panels 20 are connected to opposite side of first panel 18 by a pair of third or intermediate .panels 21. A foldline 22 interconnects panel 18 to a panel 21 and a foldline 23 interconnects a panel 21' to a panel 20, see FIG. 1. Third panels 21 are adapted to partially conform to the tapered portion 13d of the tube 13 which interconnects the front face 13a to one end of the neck portion 13b. To permit such partial conformation, each third panel 21 is provided with a plurality of spaced foldlines 24 which are disposed in parallel relation with respect to foldlines 22 and 23. The foldlines 22, 23 and 24 coact with one another so as to form a plurality of narrow elongated subpanels 25a, b, c and d. The number of foldlines 24 and the number and width of the panels 25a-d may be varied from that shown so that the panels 21 will conform more closely to the shape of the accommodated tube.

Panels 20 and subpanels 25a are each preferably provided with a struck-out tab 26 which permits interlocking of adjacent inner packings, see FIG. 9, when more than one thereof are disposed within the container, as seen in FIG. 6. The manner of arranging a plurality of inner packings into a single outer container 11 will be discussed more fully hereinafter.

As seen in FIG. 1, there is foldably connected to one side of panel 1 an elongated narrow flap 27 which is adapted, when the blank 16 is set up, to be folded inwardly transversely of panel 18 so as to subtend a portion of the perimeter of the front face 13a of the accommodated tube. Ths, flap 27 will serve as a cushion between the underside of the tube front face 13a and the bottom panel 28 of the outer container 11. A recess 30 is formed in the lower edge of each subpanel 25a to accommodate the thickness of the flap 27 when the latter is folded inwardly, see FIG. 5.

It will be noted in FIG. 1 that each foldline 23 terminates at one end (the lower end, when the blank is set up) in an elongated slot 31. The slots 31 serve to facilitate interlocking of the major and minor sections to form the desired inner packing 10, as will be described more fully hereinafter.

Blank 17, see FIG. 2, when set up, is adapted to form the minor section 15 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The blank 17 is provided with a plurality of spaced substantially parallel foldlines 32a, b and c, which cooperate with one another to form a supporting end panel 33, a pair of side panels 34, and a second end panel 35. Each foldline 32a and b terminates at its upper end in a short slot 36 which is adapted to accommodate a portion of subpanel 25d when the inner packing is assembled, see FIG. 5.

The upper edge of end panel 33 is provided with a notch or recess 37 which is adapted to cradle or accommodate a portion of the tube neck portion 13b when the tube is encompassed by the inner packing. The depth of the notch 37 is predetermined so that when the tube neck portion 13b is accommodated therein, the longitudinal axis of the neck portion will be disposed normal to a side wall 38 of container 11. Furthermore, the notch 37 and side panels 34 of minor section cooperate to restrain lateral movement of the tube neck portion.

' As will be noted in FIG. 2, end panel 35 has foldably connected to the lower edge thereof a flap 40, which when folded inwardly is adapted to function as a spacer so as to retain the end panels of the major section 14 in spaced parallel relation. A slot 41.,is formedbetween one edge of side panel 34 and flap 40. The slot 41 is dimensioned so as to accommodate the thickness of major section end panel 20. The opposite edge of flap 40 is recessed at 42 for the same purpose, namely, to accommodate the thickness of the other end panel 20 of the major section 14. r

Minor section 15 is retained in its set-up condition, see FIG. 4, by any suitable means, e.g., tape 43. When not in use the minor section may be readily collapsed for compact storage.

Modified forms of minor sections 44 and 45 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively. Minor section 44 is similar to section 15 except no outer end panel and flap is provided.

Minor section 45, on the other hand, departs structurally from both sections 15 and 44. End panel 46 of section issubstantially the same in configuration as end panel 33 of section 15 including the notch 37 and peripheral slots 36 thereof. In section 45, a first pair of narrow side panels 47 are utilized in place of side panels 34. A base panel 48 is also provided which is foldably connected to the lower edge of end panel 46 and extends rearwardly therefrom. Base panel 48 is adapted to rest upon the bottom panel 28 of the outer container 11. Foldably connected to the outer edge of base panel 48 is an upright outer end panel 50 which, in turn, is provided with a second pair of narrow side panels 51. When minor section 45 is assembled with respect to major section 14, the second or end panels 20 of the latter are disposed inwardly of the first pair of side panels 47 and outwardly of the second pair of narrow side panels 51. Thus, base panel 48, upright end panel 50, and side panels 51 of section 45 all serve as spacers to retain the panels 20 of section 14 in proper spaced parallel relation.

It is to be understood, of course, that the configurations of the major and minor sections are not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but may readily vary therefrom depending upon the shape and size of the article to be accommodated.

In packaging a plurality of inner packings 10, e.g., six in number, in a single outer container, it is necessary that the inner packings be arranged in one or more rows X and Y, see FIG. 6. The inner packings comprising each row are arranged in inverted side-by-side relation. In such an arrangement, the locking tab 26 formed in the subpanel 25a of one major section interlockingly engages, see FIG. 9, the locking tab 26 formed in the end panel 20 of an adjacent major section, the latter being in inverted relation. Thus, by reason of the tabs 26 interlocking one another, relative lateral shifting or moving of one inner packing of a row is avoided.

FIGS. 10-12 disclose another form of inner packing 10' which is formed entirely from a single blank 52 of foldable sheet material, such as corrugated fibreboard. Thus, the major and minor sections which were previously described and comprise the inner packing '10 have now been combined in blank 52.

Blank 52 includes a first panel 18, a subtending flap 27, and subpanels 25a, 25'b, 25c, all of which correspond in configuration and relative location to the respective panel 18, flap 27, and subpanels 25a-c of blank 16, see FIG. 1. In addition to the aforenoted panel 18', flap 27', and subpanels 25'ac, blank 52 includes a pair of additional subpanels 53 which are of like configurations. Each subpanel 53 is connected by a foldline 54 to an adjacent subpanel 25's, and cooperates with the other subpanels so as to partially conform to the tapered portion 13d of the accommodated tube 13, see FIGS. 11 and 12.

Along the outer edge of each subpanel 53 is'formed a pair of elongated, tongue-like members 55a and b, Each pair of members is struck-out from a corresponding outer panel 56 which is connected by an interrupted foldline 57 to the outer edge of the respective subpanel 53.

Centrally positioned along the outer elongated edge 56' of each panel 56 is a pocket 58 for accommodating the neck of a tube. Each pocket 58 is of like configuration and includes an aperture 60 which is spaced inwardly from the outer edge of panel 56. One segment of the aperture 60 is defined by a plurality of arcuately arranged short fingers 61 which are adapted to be folded relative to one another so as to overlie a segment of the neck portion 13b of the accommodated tube 13.

Disposed on the other side of the aperture 60 and opposite fingers 61 is a pair of foldable flaps 62. Flaps 62 are separated from one another by an elongated cut 63 which is transversely disposed 'with respect to and terminates at the elongated outer edge 56' of the panel 56. Each flap 62 is connected by a foldline 64 to panel 56. Thus, by reason of cut 63 and foldlines 64, each flap 62 of the pair is free to be folded relative to the other so as to permit the neck portion 13b of the tube 13 to move therebetween and into the aperture 60 when the blank 52 is set up to accommodate a tube as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The methods of setting up the blank 52 so as to accommodate a tube will be described more fully hereinafter.

The spacing between the foldlines 64 for each pair of flaps 62 closely approximates the diameter of the tube neck portion 13b. Once the tube neck portion is disposed within the aperture 60, flaps 62 will tend to return to their unfolded substantially coplanar relation thereby locking the tube neck portion in the aperture.

In setting up the blank 52 with respect to the tube 13, the front panel 18 of the blank is placed against the front face 13a of the tube. The portions of the blank disposed on opposite sides of panel 18' are then folded so that the subpanels 25'a, 25'b, 25'a, and 53 partially conform to and engage the tapered portion 13d of the tube. One of the outer panels 56 is then folded towards the other panel 56 and simultaneously therewith the tube neck portion 13b moves between the pair of folded flaps 62 into the aperture 60. Once the tube neck portion 13b is in the aperture, the fingers 61 will be folded and resiliently engage the neck portion and urge the latter against the edges of flaps 62, which have returned or partially re turned to their unfolded coplanar positions.

Because the members 55a and b are separated from the respective panel 56 by a cut 65, said members -will not follow the panel 56 when it is being folded, but rather will remain in substantial coplanar relation with respect to the corresponding subpanel 53. After the tube neck portion is positioned in the first aperture 60, the members 55a and b associated with the first folded outer panel 56 may be folded slightly with respect to the corresponding subpanel 53 so that they extend transversely with respect to the front panel 18.

After the first outer panel 56 is in its folded position, the second outer panel 56 is likewise folded so as to overlie the first folded panel 56, see FIG. 12. The tongue-like members 55a and b of the second folded panel 56 are arranged in substantially parallel relation with respect to the members of the first folded panel 56. The lengths of members 55a and b are such that they project beyond the distal end 130 of the accommodated tube 13, and will likely contact a side wall of the outer container 11.

Where two rows of inner packings are formed, it is preferable that corresponding inner packings of the rows be disposed in abutting inverted relation. Thus, with such an arrangement and the accurate dimensioning of the interior of the outer container, a highly efficient and effective package is provided for handling fragile articles such as cathode ray tubes 13. The number of inner packings to be accommodated within an outer container may readily vary from that illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention.

When loading an outer container 11 with the inner packing 10, the major and minor sections 14 and 15 thereof are folded and assembled as shown in FIG. 5 and then placed in the outer container 11. If the outer container is to accommodate more than one inner packing, then the desired number of inner packings is placed therein in the desired arrangement and interlocked to one another, as seen in FIG. 9. After the desired number of inner packings has been positioned in the outer container, then the corresponding number of tubes 13 is placed within the respective packings and the open upper side of the container closed.

With the modified inner packing 10', see FIGS. 11 and 12, the packing accommodates a tube before being placed within an outer container. With either type of inner packing, the accommodated tube, once it is positioned in the outer container, is snugly held in a substantially fixed position.

Thus, it will be seen that an improved package has been provided which is of simple, inexpensive construction and is readily set up manually when desired. Furthermore, the improved package is reusable and when not in use may be readily collapsed for compact storage. The improved package is also capable of handling articles varying over a wide range in size and shape.

While several embodiments have heretofore been described, it is to be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto, but further modifications are contemplated and it is intended by the appended claims to cover such modifications.

I claim:

1. A package for accommodating a fragile product, such as a cathode ray tube having an enlarged front face portion, an elongated narrow rearwardly extending neck portion, and a tapered intermediate portion connecting the perimeter of the front face portion to an end of the neck portion, said package comprising an outer container having the interior thereof accessible from the top side, and a collapsible inner packing disposed within said outer container interior for substantially encompassing the fragile product when the longitudinal axis thereof is substantially horizontal, said inner packing having an open top for access to the product without said inner packing being removed from said outer container, said inner packing being formed of a single sheet of foldable material and including a vertically extending first portion for engaging an end face of the fragile product, vertically extending second portions spaced from and angularly disposed with respect to said first portion for engaging the neck portion of the fragile product, and yieldable vertically extending third portions foldably interconnecting peripheral segments of said first portion with said second portions, said third portions being partially conformable to the tapered periphery of the fragile product intermediate portion; said first, second, and third portions having height substantially equal to the height of the container interior; said inner packing being collapsible only when not accommodating the fragile product.

2. A package for accommodating a fragile product, such as a cathode ray tube having an enlarged front face portion, an elongated narrow rearwardly extending neck portion, and a tapered intermediate portion connecting the perimeter of the front face portion to an end of the neck portion, said package comprising an outer container having the interior thereof accessible from the top side, and a collapsible inner packing disposed within said outer container interior for substantially encompassing the fragile product when the longitudinal axis thereof is substantially horizontal, said inner packing including a major section and a minor section both of which being of foldable sheet material; said major section having a first portion for engaging the front face portion of the fragile product, second portions spaced from and angularly disposed with respect to said first portion for disposition adjacent opposite sides of the neck portion of the fragile product, and yieldable tapered portions foldably interconnecting peripheral segments of said first portion with said second portions, said tapered portions being partially conformable to the periphery of the portion of the product intermediate the end face and the neck portion thereof; and said minor section having a supporting portion for of said major section includes a plurality of elongated,

spaced, substantially parallel, upright foldlines forming a plurality of elongated narrow panels.

4. The package of claim 2 wherein the minor section supporting portion has acentrally disposed notch formed accommodated in said inner packing the longitudinal axis of the product running from the end face to opposite end portion thereof is disposed substantially normal to a side wall of the container.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1965 Sherman 20646 1/1968 Taylor 229-14 "JAMES B. MARBERT, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

in the upper edge thereof whereby when said product-is 5 20646 229-14 

